Labour backbencher Joe Sammut has announced that he will not be contesting the general election for personal reasons.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, which Sammut reproduced on Facebook, the Labour stalwart said he was bowing out of politics after 20 years and would not be contesting the elections “due to circumstances beyond my control.”

Sammut said he was sad to have to make the announcement and thanked all those who had supported him during his political career.

As a result of his withdrawal from the electoral process, all activities related to his candidature on the 3rd and 5th districts have been cancelled, he said.

“Prime Minister, This is a crucial time for me. As you know, I have, for the past 20 years been a member of Malta's parliament and had the good fortune to serve under your leadership both as Leader of the Opposition as well as Prime Minister,” the resignation letter reads.

“Now we find ourselves in the midst of an electoral campaign and making fast and firm progress. However, at the moment I will have to stop here because circumstances of a personal nature have developed and for this reason, I will not be submitting my candidature for the forthcoming election.”

Sammut said he hoped for an electoral victory for Muscat and the Labour Party and announced that he remained “available to give my contribution.”

Matthew Agius is a court reporter as well as a Legal Procurator and Commissioner for Oaths...